ROGER'S ARENA: Panthers to Honor Legendary Roger Neilson

VANCOUVER -- Roger Neilson was Florida's first coach, leading the Panthers through their first two seasons of existance before being fired and replaced by Doug MacLean.

On Tuesday, the Panthers announced they would name the press box at BB&T Center in Neilson's honor. The unveiling of the 'Roger Neilson Memorial Press Box' will take place Monday.

Neilson died after a battle with cancer on June 21, 2003.

"Roger brought me in and probably had the most impact on me as a coach,'' said television analyst Billy Lindsay, who played for Neilson during those first two seasons in Florida.

"He was someone I truly loved. He was a great coach and a great man. I think it's awesome that the team is honoring him this way. This is a great way to always remember him. I think he would have appreciated it.''